The petroleum engineering industry is dominated by men. However, there’s a growing number of women seeking to break into the field. For instance, at the University of Texas, in 1990 the number of female individuals graduating with a petroleum engineering degree was 15%. Today that number is 22%. So if you’re looking for a degree to earn and an industry to pursue, engineering could be a rewarding path. Here are some other advantages it offers women:

The chance to build on your strengths.

If you’re strong in areas like math and science, becoming an engineer makes sense. These are skills and abilities you’ll be using every day in many ways in oil and gas. In addition, when you work in the industry, you’ll be focused on solving problems and making a meaningful contribution as you do. Women in general are also typically stronger in areas like communication and collaboration. As a result, you can add a different perspective and more cohesion to your team.

There are scholarships and awards available.

As there’s a push to expand the engineering field to include more women, there are also more scholarships and financial incentives to achieve that goal. As a result, when you pursue a degree in an area like petroleum engineering, you’ll have a higher chance of winning a scholarship. You’ll also have a good shot at landing a job as inclusivity and diversity are rising in importance at many leading companies.

You have a high earning potential.

Petroleum engineers made a median salary of $137,720 in 2019. The top 25% made $193,430 that year, while the lower 25% made $107,020. In Texas, the average pay for a petroleum engineer is around $151,360. Even though it is still a male-dominated field, it’s a lucrative one for women who are math- and science-minded.

Are you looking to pursue a career in petroleum engineering?

It’s an exciting time for women to break into the field. Let Houston recruiting agency Murray Resources help. We have an engineering division that works with some of the leading employers in Texas. We can connect you with a top-paying job in engineering and a meaningful new opportunity. Contact us today or search our engineering jobs now.